July 12th, 2011

It is any emerging designer’s dream to have their label discovered by an exclusive boutique and to be chosen for the runway in an elite fashion event.

For Shae Fleming, owner of the brand 2Shae, both happened within a week.

Photo by Eden Connell – Zoom in With Eden

The hard work involved in starting her own label were well worth the effort after being invited to be part of Melbourne Fashion Week as an interstate guest label days after her first collection debuted in the upmarket Paddington boutique, Social Royalty.

Photo by Peter Suchecki

Shoppers on Oxford St, including myself, were treated to a surprise on Saturday 25th June, as a team of beautiful models strutted the street towards the boutique wearing 2Shae’s Australian-designed, sourced and manufactured styles. We all know how much I love Australian products!

More than 200 people attended the in-store launch and reveled in the delightful Torbreck wines, which gave that luxurious ‘champagne shopping’ experience, with a fashion parade.

Photos by Ben Scott – Photograph Live

The 2Shae crew included 11 models, a professional hair and makeup team of 5, a video crew, 4 photographers, as well as 3 drivers. “It was a huge team effort,” said Shae. “I wanted to make a scene and make a scene we did.”

Shoppers were forced front row as models strutted the Gould Street shopping strip in Bondi Beach in a guerrilla style parade before jumping into hot cars to take on Paddington’s Oxford Street.

Photo by Peter Suchecki

After seeing first hand the success of the event, it came as no surprise to Dana Randall, manager of Social Royalty, who said:

“The designers we choose to stock are the most promising new talents around the world, and we even have labels that have graced New York and Paris Fashion Week, exclusive to Social Royalty in Australia. 2Shae is already proving a ‘must-have’ for our style savvy customers!”

Where do women go to stand out, be different and feel fabulous? Social Royalty Paddington

July 11th, 2011

Paddington went through tough times when Westfield Bondi Junction opened. Stores closed down and Paddington became a ghost town for retailers. But changes in the past few years has seen the fashion mecca of Sydney bounce back and flourish. This is thanks to fresh new blood pumping through the veins of Paddington – Social Royalty.

What makes Social Royalty so unique to Oxford Street are the brands which are exclusive to Social Royalty in Australia and amounts per style are limited. Women who shop there can be one of the very few to own a unique item.

Walking into the store, you’re greeted by the very sweet Dana, who knows the products inside out. The store feels glamourous, but with a warm feeling. The outfits are spaced out around the walls of the store, looking more like an exhibition – they are presented beautifully because they are beautiful.

Mid range to high end, including designers showing at New York and Paris Fashion Week. There are even the most gorgeous bikinis I have ever seen, definately stop here for this summers beach purchase!

The next big names in fashion and accessories can be found here, and you can be one of the first to have it! Watch out for: TRIAS, Carmelita Couture, Agua Bendita, Henry Hall Jeans and more, which are all instore for you to try on and take home!

Recently, Social Royalty was pleased to welcome home grown brand, 2Shae – a new brand by Bondi designer Shae Fleming.

All of the designers are hand-picked from around the world for their originality and talent for design.

Aussie women are cluey about fashion and in the age of The Sartorialist, most women want their own style rather than trawl through one chain store after another looking like everyone else in mass produced pieces. Boutique shopping is what it’s all about and in Paddington you can find all the best Australian designers stores as well as other fab boutiques.

Be sure to get there and walk out of there with a new outfit to slip into and turn heads.

MIlan Pulvermacher Exhibition In Bondi – 22nd March

March 21st, 2011

I had the pleasure of meeting a young man on the weekend who just so happens to be exhibiting his artwork, launching on Tuesday 22nd of March in Bondi.

His name is Milan Pulvermacher and has modeled overseas for some massive brands, but here we come to discussing his real passion – painting. Having grown up in Southern Africa, his debut exhibition of paintings focuses on historical human accomplishments and environmental complexity being heavily influenced by his upbringing, taking inspiration from social and political ideas.

25% of all sales will be donated to the Lubowski Trust, an organisation that helps educate those who can’t afford schooling in South Africa.

Get down to Katipo Café at 101 Bondi Road, Bondi from the 22nd of March till 17th of May to view his exhibition.

Eco-Luxury Life – By Tegan Brideson

July 12th, 2010

I’ve got a question for you. Just how big is your eco? When Matthew Paroz launched howbigisyoureco.com.au in March of this year he wanted to fill the gap that was presented to him while researching for a directory of eco-ethical fashion labels online.

“I’m trying to support the brands that design with an ecological approach like Kate Sylvester, Gorman and Bassike” Paroz said. “They balance sustainability with style,” he says.

That’s his main aim because global brands such as Stella McCartney prove that “luxury and sustainability aren’t mutually exclusive anymore.” He wants people to start thinking more responsibly with life’s luxuries.

Even the larger luxury brands are involved in approaching sustainable practices as well. It’s undeniably true that even the smallest change for these global companies like changes to their packaging, on the overall scale means a greater net gain for the environment.

Approaching the task is no small feat for Paroz. The potential to expand into beauty products, restaurants and cafes excites him, but he realises that taking it one step at a time will ensure the success of his campaign. “I have just under 30 designers on my website and next month the collections will be dropping into store,” he says. “With the new season, I’d like people to go to my website and make informed decisions about what they’d like to buy for the season.”

“We need to teach people to make informed decisions and just because it’s on my website doesn’t mean the whole label is sustainable.” Paroz explains that he learns what percentage of their range is sustainable from speaking with designers.

The biggest surprise is that 70 to 80 per-cent of a garments carbon footprint is made after it’s purchased. Paroz stopped using his dryer and consciously thinks about where the textile or hardware is manufactured and under what conditions.

This is an area where Paroz practices what he preaches. He’s humble in his approach. “It’s not about being perfect but more about making careful decisions,” he points out. The Bondi resident, who has the support of organisations Oxfam and Ethical Clothing Australia, says that he’s a big supporter of the resourceful approach that the local designers apply, due to the size of the market and what they’re able to do.

When asked about where he sees sustainable practices in ten years time, Paroz explains that it wouldn’t surprise him if government regulations were enforced. The ideal situation would see ecological resources becoming more widely available and therefore cheaper for more designers to avoid the price premium they experience now.

“It’s not just a trend, there’s too much thought, preparation and money that goes into it. It’s a gradual process,” he explains. “We now have a new generation who are across the issue and making good choices. We need to educate ourselves and find information to make informed decisions.”

Tali Jatali Swimwear – Fun And Free

June 7th, 2010

Jatali’s summer 10/11 swimwear collection is in-store now!

Tali get’s her inspiration from all over the place, whether it’s from travels abroad, her own day to day life or from her Romanian background, she will always have something to capture your sense of style and appreciation.

Fabric obviously plays a big part in fashion, and it definately plays a big part to the Jatali label as the fabrics used are sourced in Milan, Italy and designs are created right here at Jatali’s home, Bondi.

Crazy colours, fun and fresh designs, with a girly twist, there is something at Jatali for the girl who likes to be noticed.

The Sexy Designer With Looks To Kill – Tali Jatali

June 7th, 2010

Sheis a beautiful women, with exotic features and a unique accent. A successful model around the world for brands like Chanel, and also a successful fashion designer specialising in swimwear, Tali Jatali has made a big footprint in the world of Australian glamour and fashion – especially for a beachside lifestyle.

A kind and gentle person, Tali appreciates the simple things in life like her family, gorgeous young daughter Zsa Zsa and new Moodle puppy Verushka. Living a happy life, with the people you love is what Tali is about. But there has to be more about Tali right? Read on to find out alot more in my down to earth and relaxed interview with glamazon Tali Jatali…

What projects are you working on or have in the near future?

I’m working on my samples for Summer, so I can go to New York in August and instead of going on just a holiday to see my best friend and publicist Matt Dillon, I will be going to shoot my range as long as the samples are ready, which they should be. So I will be going for work and pleasure.

Who or what influences you most in fashion and home décor?

The people that influence me the most in fashion are people on the street, watching people. I don’t really watch fashions shows and copy that, I hate that.

At home, I’m not very good with interiors, so I constantly watch those home shows on Foxtel where they do make-overs and 60 minute renovations.

What is your favourite piece of clothing or accessory?

All of my favourite clothes are all the things I make, including my swimwear, but because I’m not a big brand person, like I don’t care about things like having to wear Chanel, I’m not really like that. But I like alot of vintage stuff and wear alot of vintage accessories and the only brand I really like to wear that is Australian is Sass & Bide, Alice McCall and girls like that, I’ll wear their stuff.

The girls aren’t just artistic and clever, they have got it together mentally and thats why their business is successful, not just because OH WOW, they have a good idea – anyone can have a good idea but it doesn’t necessarily mean you can pull it off and carry it on for ages. You might be able to do a few things for a minute, but then you’re finished. The longevity of it is really important.

What is a feature of your home you love most?

YES YES YES!! Ages ago my friend painted a feature wall in my apartment in black, because the rest of the apartment is white. Just recently my kid Zsa Zsa was bored, so I told her to just go and draw on the black wall. It’s amazing, I now have this big black wall full of kid’s drawings – it’s awesome, it’s very cool! I thought I would just let her have fun and if it looks bad, just paint over it. I don’t care about things like that, I just want to have a good life and not worry about little things.

What is your greatest extravagance?

PROPERTY DARLING! It’s property darling!!! Always! I’m a good girl. I’m not into shoes and shit. When people see me out and what I really am are two different things. Because my biggest love and biggest worry is my kid. Otherwise, I’m a strong business person and really together, but when I go out, I get really excited and always misbehave!

[As the interview takes place, we have a good laugh - Verushka decides it's time to "pee pee" on her newspaper, and begins to smell it. "Verushka is not very lady-like"]

What advice would you give someone if they were thinking of going into the fashion industry?

Definately only do it if you love it, because if you don’t love it, you will fail.

If you love it, no matter what it is that you choose, even if it’s hard to get there, the journey will be fun because you have so much passion.

Also, anyone that is young, definately go to design school. It’s tough for people who start at maybe 30 or 35 and have not gone to design school because they may not be good at sitting at school for 5 years, but at 18 or 20, you can go to Europe, do a year here and there. Just definately study, whether it’s pattern making or whatever, you might not use all of it in the future, it’s like learning another language, it’s always helpful even if you don’t always use it.

So then how did you get into doing what you are doing?

Well I was a model for 15 years and I started my business at 32, and i didn’t go to design school because I’m too old to sit there, but I knew from doing things like Chanel shows and traveling for 15 years, and modeled for so many different brands. Jamie who owns One Teaspoon, she is my house mate and we also formed Jatali together (Ja + Tali = Jatali), she actually new how to make clothes and cut patterns and stuff, she helped me.

The rest of my work I give it out, I have a cutter, pattern maker, I just do all of the fabric sourcing which I don’t want to share with anybody. There’s lots of thieves out there and I don’t want my ideas stolen again. It’s not good.

What is something your mother or father always told you…

To get a real job. Get a real job that pays you proper money every week.

They are still like “Darling, are you alright? Have you got a job?”

Where is your favourite place to relax in Sydney?

Just at home, Bondi Beach. I never leave Bondi much. Everything is here.

How often do you cook and eat out?

I eat out all the time, and I try really really hard to cook for my baby. My cooking is really average but I really do try. My dinners are quite hideous, I try to do meat because the kid likes meat, but I definately take her out more/ The only thing I cook that she thinks is really good is my scrambled eggs. I put cheese in it so she thinks it’s ok. The other day I made a bolognese thing, which it was ok, but she said “Mama, let’s go for pizza darling”, so I then had to buy pizza as well.

Australian fashion in comparison to International fashion?

Usually, until I went to fashion week this year, usually if you had asked me the question the week before RAFW, I would have gone on and on about it, would have been so supportive and can I help anybody… But when I went this year, a designer totally copied one of my favourite looks I’ve been doing, I gt the shits so bad and I’m so over them all. I was so mad. Everyone that was there knew I was mad and reported it because they know what I do. But the girls we have already spoken about [Alice McCall and Sass & Bide] are very talented and very good, and there’s lots of great new people, like the people who were too young a couple of years ago, are now old enough to be taken seriously.

Gay boys are definately better designers then straight ones, they just are, and that’s a fact. They are better hair and make-up artists too. In the whole fashion industry they are the best.

What’s one thing you can’t leave home with out?

Oh my god, my KID!! Except for when she has school!

But seriously, my money… Lip gloss… I use that red Paw Paw cream stuff. I don’t really like make-up. Oh and my phone and if I’m driving, my drivers license.

So living on Bondi Beach, would you say it’s your favourite beach?

It’s my favourite. Love it, love it, love it, love it. It’s the best!

Why?

You just live longer living at the beach. Fresh air, no car fumes, and even though where I live is quite noisy, I like it because if it was quiet I would be really lonely. If Zsa Zsa gets bored, we’ll go to the playground, or she will fluff around in the sand. She is 7 and she is such a good baby. She is a good girl.

Where would your ultimate holiday destination be?

LOS ANGELES! I used to live there, but I also have family there. For me, going on a holiday sitting on my ass getting a tan and getting skin cancer – I’m already bored. I like to go to LA and go to some really amazing full-on hot parties with big celebs and having a couple of Vodka’s and just having the best time. I like to buy things, and if you go to an island or something like that, I get bored. I like LA because I can buy things like cool t-shirts and unreal things for people we know.

What is the one quality you have that you’d like Zsa Zsa to take from you and carry through life?

I’m really really straight-forward, honest and I don’t do wrong by people. I come from an old fashioned Jewish Daddy and in some ways, I’m like my dad I don’t want her to work as hard as me, because I will just give her everything.

What is a fashion trend you hope will never re-surface?

Ummmm… It would have to be those swimsuits that go straight up your legs, like the ones on Moscow, Russia. They look like idiots with it cut up really high at the back. I’m not a fan of people with fake boobs, so anything with that kind of style that shows them off is out of fashion. I don’t mind shoulder pads and all that stuff, that’s good.

Sneakers on the red-carpet is not a good look for girls. They are for boys. Girls should look pretty and edgy.

When was the last time you cried and why?

Today, because my boyfriend from when I was 25 who lives in Dubai called last night, and when I heard his voice I asked what was wring with him and he said his father had died. So I had to go to a funeral today and I’d never been to one before. It’s my first funeral. Caroline Byrne who was pushed off the Gap was my best friend when we were young and I didn’t go to hers. I was scared of going. So today was the first one. I also cry once a month before my periods, I always cry and I never know what’s wrong with me and I’m like “oh deeer, no wonder I’m crying!”, oh and sometimes I cry when my baby is asleep and she snores, because I can’t believe how beautiful she is. She snores like a small donkey, she’s so cute!

If you were admired by millions of young people globally, what would be something you’d like to be a role model of?

Drugs! I’m very anti-drugs and have never tried one in my life. Yuck. I don’t mind showing them that being a party girl is fun, but I don’t mean taking drugs party girl. I mean go to school, do well, get a job, still have a life, have fun and not be a lonely weirdo. Don’t sit on the Internet all day trying to get a friend, get out there and meet people. Dress pretty, have a nice life, because you live today and die tomorrow.

I’d want to show them about confidence, social-networking so they can have a good life.

What is one success you are proud of and one failure or regret you’ve tried to forget?

With my work, I’m so happy with Jatali in total, and my biggest regret is breaking up Jatali with Jamie who owns One Teaspoon, so we didn’t continue to do that together – my biggest regret and I’ll never get over that.

When it was new, it was too hard and we didn’t have much money and we couldn’t afford to have us both working on the business, which meant one of us had to get a job. Because she was younger, she did. But shit, that the biggest regret ever.

We are still friends and still live together. I think we would have been massive if we stayed together. That’s my only regret in work, I still love her and admire her and she’s 13 years younger then me, but I still in a way look up to her.

What are you 3 pet hates?

1. Drugs.

2. Marriage – it’s pathetic and retarded.

3. I hate fashion copy-cats! When you create something and people copy it, I find that really annoying. When people saying you should be happy, it’s flattering, but I don’t want to be flattered, I know what I do is good.

Kathryn Eisman – The Complete Package

May 10th, 2010

Kathryn Eisman, the stunning and successful women who has achieved more then what some of us dream of.

She is the youngest Australian to get a three book deal, she has interviewed some of the world’s most famous like Bono, Cate Blanchett, George Clooney and US Presidents. Not only that, Kathryn is an award winning author, NBC Journalist, has a magazine column, has appeared on most major television networks and SISTER2sister ambassador, she is definately one busy women. Based in the USA, he career is growing larger day by day.

A sweet and glamorous girl, I’m so pleased to have the opportunity to interview her and feature her on AdrianErdedi.com, get to know Kathryn in this unreal and open interview…

What projects are you currently working on or have in the near future?

I am writing a monthly relationship column for CLEO magazine, which is an absolute delight! Any man troubles my girl friends are having end up on the page in all their honest and gory glory.

I am a magazine junkie! And have a real problem throwing them out… which means I have about half a dozen ordered piles of Mags around my apartment just in case I need to reference a shoot or article from a year ago. Of course I never do!

What is your favourite piece of clothing or accessory?

I am pretty obsessed with my new Perrin Paris Riva Ball bag. I recently launched my book, How To Tell a Woman By Her Handbag in the US at their store and picked them because they are so avant-garde, yet so luxurious and Parisian chic.

And there’s nothing more fun than sitting around with my bunch of girlfriends reading from my latest book- discovering what out true Purse-onalities are! It’s frighteningly accurate! Click here to buy the book.

Do you have one feature in your home you love most?

My book shelf. When I’m a little tired from writing (and to be honest a little delirious too) I pop onto Amazon and bulk buy books. It gives me almost as much of a thrill as actually reading them. And my book shelf at home houses all of these treasures.

Which foods and drinks most excite your taste buds?

I’m a pretty healthy eater and lately I’ve become sort of hooked on frozen yogurt. i kid myself that it’s a “health food”- but it tastes so good especially which yogurt chips and berries on top. I have a real sweet tooth, so this is a weakness for me…a fabulous weakness.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Sleep. When I worked as a news reporter for NBC in New York for 4 years I was on their early morning news show, which meant 3am start times. I’d often do the 11pm news as well and about once a week I’d cover an event, come back to Rockefeller studio and write and edit the story and then appear that morning live behind the desk. Then I’d head off to shoot a new story that very day. After years surviving on 4 hrs a night I now try to get at least 8 hrs of sleep. Very lucky!

Greatest lesson learnt?

To have compassion for those people who are struggling a little and offer them a helping hand. No matter what business you’re in, achieving success is never easy and if you see someone who could really benefit from your assistance or advice, give it to them! There is enough success to go around.

What advice would you give someone if they were thinking of a career in your industry?

If you want to be a TV reporter do it because you love to tell stories, meet different people, learn about different different walks of life and get a thrill out of working with short deadlines and in a highly stressed environment. Don’t do it because you want to be famous and get your hair and make up done. 95% of the work you do is behind the scenes so you’ve got to be motivated by something other than vanity.

Which celebrity wardrobe would you love to raid and why?

Gwyneth Paltrow has a good combination of chic and edgy right about now.

How did you get into doing what you do?

I started modelling at 17 and continued doing that while I completed my degree at UTS, studying communications journalism. At the same time I wrote my first book, “How to tell a Man by His Shoes”. That book became a bestseller and I flew to New York to do a book tour. While I was appearing as a guest on NBC’s Today in New York there was such a positive response from viewers that they asked me to come back time and time again. After a while they created a position for me.

What is your one design rule you like to stick to around the home?

Mix it up. I adore antiques next to mid-century furniture next to contemporary art. Eclectic is always more interesting that “themed” looks.

My Mother/Father always told me…

“You have nothing to fear but fear itself”

Is there a cause that is close to you and if so, why?

I’m a proud ambassador for SISTER2sister, and a former Big sister. It’s an incredible charity that mentors teenage girls from “at risk” backgrounds.

Where is your favourite place to relax in Sydney?

Bondi Beach- doing the Bondi to Bronte walk with my father.

How often do you eat out and cook at home?

I eat out about 6 nights a week- but sometimes go to the same restaurant so much it feels like home. My fave places in LA in my hood at Chateau Marmont and Soho House (I can walk to both in no time).

Your thoughts on Australian fashion in comparison to International fashion?

Australian fashion has a freedom to it – both in its lack of structure, it’s playful fabrics and vibrant colours. It doesn’t take itself too seriously… instead it’s all about clothes designed to live a happy life in. They make you want to take a walk in the sunshine, go dancing.

The one thing I can’t leave home without is…

My iPhone…Yep, I’m one of THOSE people.

What frustrates you most about Sydney?

I think it’s crazy how expensive the property market is.

If you were Clover Moore, what would be the first thing you’d inject money into fixing?

Favourite beach in Sydney and why? Bondi…because I always bump into friends there and it makes me feel like I’m home.

If you could be a fly on the wall of any celebrity home, who’s wall would you like to sit on?

It would have to be Brangalina…I’m curious to see how one takes care of 50 children, flies around the world, stars in films and looks good all at once. There must be a secret and I’d like to discover what it is.